RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) refers to a group of inherited disorders in which abnormalities of the photoreceptors (the rods and cones) in the retina lead to progressive visual loss. People with RP first experience problems adjusting to dim light situations (night blindness), followed by narrowing of the visual field (tunnel vision), and eventual loss of central vision.
RP is inherited through the following genetic mechanisms: as an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked recessive trait, or as a mitochondrial disorder. More than 30 different genes have been identified as being associated with this disease.
RP can occur alone or be part of a syndrome involving abnormalities outside the retina. For example, Usher syndrome (of RP and deafness) is a relatively common form of syndromic RP.
Additional Information about Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis Pigmentosa from the National Institutes of Health (USA)
What is Retinitis Pigmentosa? from the Foundation Fighting Blindness
Retinitis Pigmentosa from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (UK)
Related Topics
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy
Epiretinal Membrane
Hypertensive Retinopathy
Retinal Detachment
Retinoschisis
Return from Retinitis Pigmentosa to Medical Terms Ra-Rz